Second Manager in Keys History Passes Away

Moon Led Frederick to First Carolina League Title

By Frederick Keys | February 13, 2018 10:17 AM ET

FREDERICK, MD-Wally Moon, the second manager in Frederick Keys history, passed away this past Friday in Bryan, TX. He was 87.

Following a distinguished playing career with the Dodgers and Cardinals, Moon transitioned to professional coaching. This included a two-year run as the Keys manager from 1990-91. In his first season with the orange and black, Moon led the team to a 74-62 record and its first Carolina League title. For his efforts, Moon was named the Carolina League Manager of the Year.

Moon also spent time in the CL as the manager for the Prince William Yankees in 1988. During his time in the league, Moon mentored future Major Leaguers Arthur Rhodes, Bernie Williams, Alan Mills and Scott Kamieniecki. In addition to his time as a skipper with Frederick and Prince William, Moon served as an Orioles hitting instructor until retiring in 1995.

As a player, Moon spent 12 seasons in the Major Leagues. The 1954 National League Rookie of the Year, Moon was also a National League All Star in 1957 and 1959 and a Gold Glove winner in 1960.

Making his Major League debut with the Cardinals in 1954, Moon was traded to the Dodgers in 1958. In his first season in Los Angeles, Moon won a World Series and was also part of World Series winning Dodger teams in 1963 and 1965. Moon posted a career slash line of .289/.371/.445 in 1,457 MLB games to go with 142 home runs and 661 RBIs.

The Frederick Keys kickoff the 2018 season on Thursday, April 5 against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, before playing their home opener on Thursday, April 12 against the Potomac Nationals at 7:00 p.m. Ticket plans are currently available for the 2018 season by contacting the Keys Groups Department at 301-815-9900. Each fan who purchases a ticket plan will have their choice of a Trey Mancini or an Austin Hays bobblehead.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.